Wayne Stiles's Blog, page 38

4 Blessings from God that May Surprise You

God May Want to Give You More than Relief

Sometimes it seems no one understands what we’re going through. When people fail us, or forget us, or even betray us, we’re left alone in the ashes of a reality we never expected or wanted.

(Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com)

In those intense moments of loneliness, confusion, and pain, we ask God for one thing more than anything else. Relief from suffering.

But when relief is denied, we begin the difficult journey of resisting the notion that God is a cr...

Where was Jesus Really Born?

Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity—Appropriately Unassuming

Bethlehem’s main attraction centers on the oldest standing church in Israel. The ancient structure marks the traditional site of Jesus’ birth, and yet, it isn’t much to look at.

(Photo: The front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)

Built in the sixth century by the emperor Justinian, the Church of the Nativity sits on top of the location of the original octagonal church Consta...

Ein Kerem—Waiting on God’s Promise a Long Time

God has something special planned for you.

When we think of the Bible’s Christmas couple, of course we picture Joseph and Mary. But there’s another couple in the Christmas narrative. In fact, they appear even before Jesus’ parents do.

(Photo: Tradition places the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth at Ein Kerem. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)

God had been silent for 400 years. No additional Scripture. No more prophecy. No visions. Just waiting for the Messiah. 400 years! Then,...

Video 3: Continue Your Virtual Tour through the Places of Jesus’ Birth

See where the first Christmas happened in the Holy Land

The third episode releases today in my new virtual tour of the places of Jesus’ birth. I love this episode, because we have examples in the biblical Christmas story of how to follow God when His leading makes no sense. Click here to watch.

I had a blast filming these videos. One reason? I love going to the Holy Land and seeing the places where the Bible occurred.

But not everybody can go to Israel.

In fact, there are several very good r...

Video 2: Continue Your Virtual Tour through the Places of Jesus’ Birth

See where the first Christmas happened in the Holy Land

Today Episode 2 releases in my new video series giving a virtual tour through the places of Jesus’ birth. You can click here to watch it now (as well as Episode 1).

 

The response has been tremendous, and I’m so grateful to you who have given a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or another social media outlet. Here’s one about Episode 1 that really meant a lot to me:

What Sue said is precisely why I’m doing this series. I want those who can...

Watch Video 1: A Virtual Tour through the Places of the Birth of Christ

See where the first Christmas happened in the Holy Land

I am so excited to release my new video series on the Birth of Jesus, called “The Promise that Changed the World.” If you want to skip to the nitty-gritty, and just watch the video, here it is. Just click.

Not everybody can go to the Holy Land where the first Christmas occurred.

That’s frustrated me for years, because I know firsthand the benefits of including the land of the Bible in the study of the Scriptures. Leaving it out leaves o...

New Christmas Video Series Releases Friday!

See the teaser video below...

How do we keep going when it seems God is doing nothing? How do we trust God when what we need is impossible? How do we follow God when His leading makes no sense? Christmas gives us the answer.

Beginning Friday, I’m releasing my brand new FREE Christmas series of videos, which I just filmed in Israel and Jordan in October. Watch a teaser video below that gives an introduction. 

If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here.

Sign up bel...

How to Follow God When His Plan Seems Strange

We want God's plan so we can trust the plan. God hides the plan so we will trust Him.

God’s leading is often strange. That’s because He doesn’t share the plan. He keeps it a secret. We want God’s plan so we can trust the plan. God hides the plan so we will trust Him.

(Photo by Tom Butler, courtesy of oomf.com)

Genesis began with God blessing all He created. But the fall of man, Abel’s murder, the rebellion at Babel, and the global flood gave cause to doubt that there would be any recovery of...

Free Black Friday Download for You

This weekend only: "How to Forgive When Forgiveness is Really Tough"

To counter the madness of BLACK FRIDAY, I want to give you something free. As my way of saying thanks, you can download a free copy of my audio resource: “How to Forgive When Forgiveness is Really Tough.” 

This message retails for $5 but you can get it FREE this weekend only. Here’s how:

Go to the audio resource page Add the item to your cart (and go to the cart) Enter the coupon code: forgiven (coupon expires Sunday night...

How to Deal with Difficult People Who Refuse to Change

God shows you how to move forward in a room of fog.

Several years ago I found myself at odds with someone. This individual had spoken severely to our daughter, and I confronted this person with the truth—but in anger, and I failed to speak truth in love.

(Photo by Photodune)

Later, I tried to get together and talk it through. I knew I needed to ask for forgiveness for how I said what I said. But those in authority asked me to leave it alone until later. Although I tried to comply at first, I...